ITG Next’s February 2026 Georgia Male Athlete of the Month is Swainsboro High School basketball player LJ Morgan.
Morgan, a senior, is a combo guard for the Swainsboro boys basketball team and has played for the Tigers over his entire four-year career.
He has played a major part in the Tigers’ 19-7 season and will continue to be a big factor in Swainsboro’s postseason run in the GHSA Class 1A-Division I state basketball tournament.
The Tigers finished 8-2 in region play and enter the state tournament red hot with seven wins in their last eight games of the season.
The Tigers open up postseason play with a first-round game at home against the Northeast Raiders.
Morgan said he has enjoyed his season so far, but there are still more games to play, and he’s ready to play his part in leading his team.
“This senior season has been a great experience for me,” Morgan said. “I’ve really focused on stepping up in every way, not just statistically, but as a leader. I’ve tried to set the tone every day in practice and in games by bringing energy, accountability, and a competitive mindset. It’s been about finishing strong, staying consistent, and doing whatever it takes to help the team succeed.”
Morgan has done a lot in helping his team succeed this season. Through the Tigers’ first 26 games, he averaged 17.8 points per game while dishing out an average of 3.2 assists per game.
He achieved a career milestone earlier this year when he scored his 1,000th career point as a member of the Tigers squad.
According to Swainsboro boys basketball head coach Brice Hobbs, that was a special moment in what has been a special career for Morgan.
“LJ is a sharp shooter for us, and he scored his 1,000th point in a big game we had against Claxton earlier this year,” Hobbs said.
Morgan scored 28 points in the Tigers’ 82-32 win that night.
Hobbs said he has coached Morgan all four seasons of the senior’s high school career and has witnessed firsthand what he brings to the team every night.
“His drive is what makes us who we are,” Hobbs said. “He knows how to turn it on when the team needs him the most. He brings a wealth of leadership to help us reach the next level.”
Morgan said he has worked hard to be an all-around force for his team.
“I believe my biggest strengths are my leadership, basketball IQ, and my communication,” Morgan said. “I take pride in being someone my teammates can rely on, whether that’s making a big play, encouraging someone, or holding us accountable. I lead by example with my effort and work ethic, and I’m always talking on the court to keep everyone focused and connected.”
Hobbs said his star senior is receiving interest from colleges but that Morgan has not made a decision.
Morgan said he’ll be ready when the time comes.
“I’ll be playing college basketball,” Morgan said.
But there’s still work to be done in the playoffs.
Congratulations to Swainsboro High School basketball player LJ Morgan, ITG Next’s February 2026 Georgia Male Athlete of the Month.
